Nearshore

Chinook Salmon

Oncorhynchus tshawytscha

Avg. Weight

25.0 lbs

Avg. Length

24+ inches

World Record

97.0 lbs

Found In

40 Destinations

About Chinook Salmon

Chinook Salmon — universally called King Salmon — are the largest and most prized Pacific salmon species. These magnificent fish can exceed 50 pounds in Alaskan rivers and 30+ pounds in California and Oregon waters. Kings are anadromous, born in freshwater rivers, migrating to the Pacific Ocean to feed and grow for 2-7 years, then returning to their natal streams to spawn and die. Their chrome-bright ocean phase features a dark blue-green back speckled with black spots, bright silver sides, and a white belly. Spawning fish turn dark olive to maroon. Males develop a pronounced hooked jaw ("kype") and humped back during the spawn.

Identification & Appearance

The largest Pacific salmon with a streamlined, torpedo-shaped body. Ocean-phase fish are chrome-bright with dark blue-green backs, black spotting on the upper body and both lobes of the tail (key identifier), and silver sides. The gum line along the lower jaw is black (distinguishes kings from other salmon). Spawning males turn dark olive-green to deep maroon with a hooked jaw and humped back.

Male vs. Female

Males develop a pronounced hooked jaw (kype), deeper body, and humped back during spawning. Females retain a more streamlined shape with a blunter snout. In ocean phase, sexes are nearly identical. Both die after spawning.

Size, Weight & Records

Average ocean catch is 10-25 lbs depending on age class. "Trophy" kings exceed 30 lbs. Alaska produces the largest fish, with 50-70 lb kings caught annually on the Kenai River. The all-tackle world record is 97 lbs 4 oz from the Kenai River in 1985. California and Oregon kings average 12-25 lbs with occasional 40+ lb fish.

Seasonal Availability

Peak Season Good Fair Off Season

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Popular Bait & Fishing Methods

Best Techniques

Ocean trolling with downriggers is the primary technique, running herring or anchovy cut-plugs at 30-120 feet behind flashers or dodgers. Mooching (drifting with weighted herring or anchovy) is a classic Pacific Northwest method. In rivers, back-trolling with Kwikfish, Mag Lips, or bait-wrapped plugs is deadly. Bank anglers do well drifting cured salmon roe under a float through holding water. In Alaska, backbouncing eggs or casting spinners (Blue Fox, Rooster Tails) in river systems produces trophy kings.

Recommended Tackle

Ocean trolling: 8-9 ft medium-heavy downrigger rod, level-wind reel, 25-40 lb mono or 50 lb braid. River fishing: 8'6"-10'6" medium-heavy rod, spinning or level-wind reel, 15-30 lb main line, 12-20 lb fluorocarbon leader. In Alaska, heavier gear (30-50 lb) is common for 40+ lb fish.

Regulations & Bag Limits

Chinook salmon are heavily regulated throughout their range. Seasons, bag limits (typically 1-2 fish per day), and minimum sizes vary by state, river system, and even specific zones within a river. Barbless hooks are required in many areas. Hatchery vs. wild fish regulations differ — adipose fin-clipped (hatchery) fish may be retained while wild (intact adipose fin) fish must be released. Always check current regulations before fishing.

Regulations change frequently. Always verify current rules with your charter captain or state wildlife agency before fishing.